LAMMA is the UK’s largest agricultural trade show, where over 850 exhibitors will host the most extensive array of farm machinery, equipment, and services to be found in one location anywhere in the UK.

Abi took up the post of chief reporter at Farmers Guardian after a stint working for the NFU as part of its government affairs team. Load More...

Shadow Defra Secretary Sue Hayman

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Ban all cages on British farms, says Labour Party

The strategy has been unveiled in a bid to challenge the Conservatives as they try to re-position themselves as the party of animal welfare.

Other promises in the plan include bringing in a phased ban on sow farrowing crates, issuing new guidance to end the use of antibiotics for preventative purposes and designing post-Brexit farm subsidies which ‘move away from intensive factory farming’ and ‘bad environmental practices’.

The party is also consulting on the appointment of an Animal Welfare Commissioner who would ensure animal welfare standards are always considered in law making and trade deals.

Shadow Defra Secretary Sue Hayman said: “Never has it been more pressing to set an ambitious agenda on animal welfare than now.

“With new trade deals on the horizon and the UK no longer subject to EU-wide rules on animal welfare, we must ensure we have a comprehensive legislative agenda in place to make sure the UK has equal and better animal rights across the world.

“This suite of policies on animal welfare seeks to build upon the long-standing leadership of the Labour Party on the issue of animal welfare.

“We are seeking views on measures which will underpin the next phase on animal welfare legislation under the next Labour Government.

“Our approach will not be one of half measures and backtracking, based on ‘campaign of the month’ issues.”

“Ending the cage age for animals on farms cannot come soon enough, and better labelling of animal products is essential to allow consumers to make informed buying choices, driving up welfare standards.”

Full list of Labour Party proposals

Ban live exports for slaughter or fattening.

Mandatory labelling of meat, both domestic and imported. This would include details on country of origin, method of production and slaughter.

Total ban on imports of Foie Gras so as to restrict the market.

Issue new guidance to end the use of antibiotics for routine, preventative purposes with farm animals.

Mandatory CCTV in slaughterhouses, including where horses are slaughtered. Footage will be made available to Food Standards Agency.